E. Coli Contamination Closes Chrysler And Holland Beaches In St. Clair County
The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Chrysler Beach in Marysville and Holland Beach in Port Huron due to elevated E. coli levels. The beaches will remain closed until water samples show acceptable E. coli levels, as advised by the State of Michigan.
E. coli, a common microbe in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, indicates fecal contamination. Elevated levels often follow storms or strong winds, which carry bacteria in stormwater runoff and stir it up from waves.
Advisories for St. Clair County’s public beaches are available on the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page and the Michigan BeachGuard website at egle.state.mi.us/beach.
For more information, visit: scchealth.co or contact the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
Marvel Artist Jerry DeCaire To Perform Live Drawing At St. Clair County Library
Calling all comic book fans and aspiring artists. The St. Clair County Public Library, located at 210 McMorran Blvd, Port Huron, invites you to its spectacular event, “Super Readers: A Marvel Artist Presentation” featuring Marvel Comics illustrator Jerry DeCaire.
On Saturday, July 27th, from 2 to 3 p.m., attendees can watch DeCaire bring superheroes, sorcerers, dragons, and wizards to life in a live drawing performance. DeCaire, known for illustrating iconic characters like Thor, X-Men, Wolverine, The Punisher, Iron Man, and more, will be showcasing his rapid drawing skills in the Gilbert Wilcox Meeting Room.
This all-ages event promises an unparalleled experience of art, fantasy, and fun.
For more information and to register, visit: stclaircountylibrary.org/events.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
Record Absentee Voting In Michigan Ahead Of Primary Election
With just under four weeks until Michigan’s Primary Election Day, over 1.5 million voters have requested absentee ballots, and more than 178,000 have already submitted their ballots, breaking the previous records set in 2020.
“This is great news for Michigan, and for democracy,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The current absentee ballot requests total 1,518,665, surpassing the 2020 numbers by 157,833.
Michigan citizens can register to vote online or in person and cast their ballots in person from July 27th to August 4th, or on Election Day, August 6th.
Voters can also track their absentee ballots or find more information at Michigan.gov/Vote.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
Fresh Produce Available Weekly Through “The Last Food Mile” Project In Michigan’s Thumb Area
Every Wednesday, residents of Michigan’s five-county Thumb area can access fresh produce through “The Last Food Mile” project.
Funded by the USDA’s Local Food Purchasing Agreement Grant and partnered with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the Thumb Food Policy Council, this initiative aims to reduce barriers and introduce healthy food options to homebound seniors and at-risk families.
The project, which will run through September 2025, could extend depending on the Farm Bill’s passage. Fresh produce can be picked up from various locations in St. Clair, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, and Sanilac counties. No sign-up is required, and distribution operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. “The Last Food Mile” strives to meet people where they are, offering a vital resource to those who cannot access traditional food pantries.
For more information, visit: Thumb Food Policy Council on Facebook.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
Michigan SHPO Awarded $75,000 Grant To Survey African American Recreation Sites From The Green Book Era
The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has received a $75,000 grant from the Historic Preservation Fund’s African American Civil Rights History program, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced.
This grant will fund a preservation consultant to survey properties listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide for African American travelers published from 1936 to 1966. The project aims to create a historic context on African American recreational tourism in Michigan and nominate a site for the National Register of Historic Places.
State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan Schumaker emphasized the importance of recognizing these sites to deepen understanding of African American history in Michigan. The project is part of a broader effort by the National Park Service to document and preserve Civil Rights history.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell